Canopy for portable electrical device

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for the shielding of outdoor electrical equipment from inclement weather, the system comprising: a plurality of support brackets affixed to the outdoor electrical equipment; a support frame disposed in the support brackets; a waterproof cover disposed over the frame; an apron depending from the cover, configured to cover electrical connections on a side of the outdoor electrical equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 13/593,881 filed on Aug. 24, 2012 which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/528,168 filed on Aug. 27, 2011. Each ofthese applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of canopies. Moreparticularly, the present invention is in the technical field ofenclosures or covers for portable electrical devices which can be usedwhile the portable electrical device is operating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electrical generators are specifically to be used outdoor, withwarning labels and instructions that warn against use too close to adwelling, in garages, or other protected areas where poisonous gassescan accumulate and enter an occupied dwelling. Further, portableelectrical generator manufacturers warn against operating a portableelectrical generator in an enclosed shed or other small enclosurebecause these kinds of environments restrict air flow around and throughthe unit and pose an overheating hazard. Finally, portable electricalgenerators cannot be exposed to rain, sleet, snow or ice, since wetconditions pose a risk of shock and electrocution. Many times it isduring times of precipitation that a portable electrical generator isneeded, and regardless of manufacturer warnings, portable electricalgenerator users take the risk to operate them in garages, on or underporches and in other covered or enclosed areas that can allow deadlygasses to infiltrate a dwelling or cause overheating. Portableelectrical generator accidents often occur during times of bad weather,when the generator is most needed.

Some manufacturers, in addition to the Consumer Product SafetyCommission, suggest that a generator can be safely used outdoors ininclement weather when under a portable pop-up canopy. In practice, thisis a fundamentally unsound approach. Portable pop-up canopies aredifficult to anchor, especially in frozen conditions or on driveways,they provide no protection to precipitation that is blown in from anangular direction, they cannot withstand moderate winds withoutcollapsing or being blown away, and they are susceptible to collapseunder the weight of moderate snow and ice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for theshielding of outdoor electrical equipment from inclement weather, thesystem comprising: a plurality of support brackets affixed to theoutdoor electrical equipment; a support frame disposed in the supportbrackets; a waterproof cover disposed over the frame; an apron dependingfrom the cover, configured to cover electrical connections on a side ofthe outdoor electrical equipment.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides such a systemfurther comprising a covered vent disposed at an apex of the waterproofcover.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides such a systemwherein the apron depends from hook and loop fasteners disposed beneathan edge of the waterproof cover.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such a systemwherein the apron exposes cooling surfaces of the outdoor electricalequipment.

A yet further embodiment of the present invention provides such a systemwherein the waterproof cover further comprises a closable aperturethrough which a user may supply liquid fuel to the outdoor electricalequipment.

Even another embodiment of the present invention provides such a systemwherein the waterproof cover further comprises at least one aperture.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for thedeflection of water from portable electrical equipment, the methodcomprising: affixing a plurality of mounting brackets to a frame of theportable electrical equipment; inserting support rods into the bracketsso as to create a support frame; extending a waterproof cover over thesupport frame while allowing ventilation of the portable electricalequipment.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides such a methodwherein the portable electrical equipment comprises a portableelectrical generator.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and,in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings,specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that thelanguage used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable electrical generator safety canopyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a portable electrical generator safety canopyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy supporting frame of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy frame adjusting clamp of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy frame adjusting clamp bottom section of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate portable electricalgenerator safety canopy frame adjusting clamp of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate portable electricalgenerator safety canopy frame adjusting clamp bottom section of oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable electrical generator safetycanopy frame adapter of one embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to one embodiment of the invention in more detail, in FIG.1 and FIG. 3 there is shown a portable electrical generator safetycanopy consisting of a main cover 1 which allows attachment of theelectrical cover 2 and comprises an access door 4 and a vapor releasecover 5. The main cover 1 is shown secured to a frame rod 8 by a strap3. The frame rod 8 is secured to the portable electrical generator frame16 by a tube connecting telescoping clamp 9. One skilled in the art willappreciate that other outdoor portable electrical or internal combustionengine equipment may employ a canopy or cover configured in accord withthe various embodiments of the present invention. Such outdoor equipmentmay include but is not limited to pumps, spotlights, air compressor,power washers, and heat pumps.

In further detail, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 there depicts anattachment of electrical cover 2 to the main cover 1 via a fastenersection 7 that traverses the entire bottom edge of main cover 1 andemploys a waterproofing cover flap 6. The cover flap 6 is lifted up,which exposes the fastener section 7, which secures the electrical cover2. The cover flap 6 is then dropped back over electrical cover 2 forminga waterproof covering.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an open access door 4 which issecured into open position by securing door straps 17 to main cover 1.Further, when returned to closed position, access door 4 is secured tomain cover 1 by fastener 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a portable electrical generatorsafety canopy frame consisting of multiple frame rod sections 8 whichare secured at the top central location by frame connector 11. Further,each frame rod section 8 connects into a tube connecting telescopingclamp 9.

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, there is shown a tube connectingtelescoping clamp consisting of a main clamp section 14 that is securedto a tube with thumb screw 13 and telescoping section 12. Now in moredetail, main clamp section 14 employs a thumb latch 15 which sets stoppoints for telescoping section 12 at predetermined interval locations.Further, main clamp section 14 employs a bottom latch 18 that allowsinsertion of telescoping section 12 and, once inserted, restrictstelescoping section 12 from being removed. Now in more detail,telescoping section 12 employs notches 19 at predetermined intervallocations which are formed in such a way that pushing the telescopingsection 12 into main clamp section 14 does not require engaging thethumb latch 15. Further, the notches 19 are formed in such a way thatthe thumb latch 15 on main clamp section 14 must be engaged in order toallow outward adjustment of the telescoping section 12. Further, thetelescoping section 12 provides holes 20, each of which holds one framerod section 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, there is shown an alternativetelescoping clamp system consisting of a main clamp section 20 that issecured to a tube with thumb screw 21 and telescoping section 22. Now inmore detail, main clamp section 20 employs a ring detent pin hole 23 andtelescoping section 22 employs several ring detent pin holes 24 atpredetermined interval locations. Further, the clamp system is adjustedto length by aligning a predetermined interval location ring detent pinhole in the telescoping section 22 with the ring detent pin hole 23 inthe main clamp section 20 and inserting a ring detent pin 28. Further,main clamp section 20 employs a bottom stop 25. Telescoping section 22employs a bottom groove 26, and once inserted over the clamp sectionbottom stop 25, removal is restricted during any upward or parallelforces. Further, the telescoping section 22 provides holes 27, each ofwhich holds one frame rod section 8.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a frame adapter consisting of atubular section 29 combined with a corner section 30. Further, thecorner section 30 employs slotted holes 31 which accommodate attachmentto a multitude of square tube frames and round tube frames. Now in moredetail, the frame adapter provides a method to attach main clamp section14 or main clamp section 20 in the event the portable electricalgenerator frame 16 cannot provide a mounting point for main clampsection 14 or main clamp section 20 because of square or rectangularframe shapes, or other portable electrical generator parts which mayalready be connected to frame 16. Further, the frame adapter provides amethod to increase, or extend, the effective length and width of theportable electrical generator frame 16, as may be necessary for verysmall portable electrical generator frames. The frame adapter may beattached to the frame 16 through a multitude of methods includingscrews, bolts and nuts, welding and strapping.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the maincover 1 is sufficiently wide at the bottom edges to cover portableelectrical generator frames of the typical length up to 32 inches andtypical width up to 22 inches. The tube connecting telescoping clampallows sufficient adjustments to ensure a consistent portable electricalgenerator safety canopy frame size of approximately 24 inches wide and35 inches in length. The portable electrical generator safety canopyframe is sufficiently sloped, from the center to each corner to assurewater shedding action away from the underlying portable electricalgenerator.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the maincover 1 can be increased or decreased in size to cover an effectivelyunlimited range of portable electrical generator frame sizes. By simplychanging the length of the frame rods 8 and increasing the width andlength of the main cover 1 at the bottom edges while keeping aconsistent relative size for all other dimensions of main cover 1,different portable electrical generator frame sizes are accommodated.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 throughFIG. 10 are that the portable electrical generator safety canopy maincover 1 can be made of any material sufficiently waterproof and strongsuch as various fabrics, high strength plastic, molded fiberglass, metaland the like. Further the various components 2, 4 and 5 can be made ofsimilar materials, while the fastener sections 7 and 10 can be madeusing hook and loop, zipper or other methods that exhibit satisfactorywaterproofing and secure closure characteristics. The portableelectrical generator safety canopy frame, as depicted in FIG. 5 can bemade of materials sufficiently strong and tensile to form theappropriate frame arc in order to allow shedding of water whilemaintaining strength enough to hold water, snow, and ice withoutbreaking. The materials can be aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, wood andfiberglass formed into rods and tubes of either round, square orrectangular cross section shapes. The frame connector 11 can also bemade of similar materials. The tube connecting telescoping clamp 12, 14,20 and 22 and the frame adapter (FIG. 10) can be made of materialssufficiently rigid and strong enough to not crack or fatigue and to holdthe portable electrical generator safety canopy frame securely. Thematerials include wood, aluminum, steel and high strength plastics andthe like.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation,that it is sufficiently waterproof and sheds precipitation, in any form,away from electrical sockets on portable electrical generators thatcould cause an electrocution hazard or disruption of power if they wereto get wet. Further, the invention maintains, without disruption,sufficient normal airflow around the portable electrical generator thatit will not overheat. Further, the invention is sufficiently strong towithstand storm winds with gusts up to Beaufort scale 10 andaccumulations of snow and ice. Further, the invention accommodates awide range of portable electrical generators. Further, the inventionallows convenient access to refueling, starting, stopping and connectingelectrical wires to portable electrical generators. Further, thisinvention does not require modification of portable electricalgenerators. Further the invention is easily installed, removed andportable.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a waterproof, watershedding enclosure that surrounds the top and electrical connectionsockets of portable electrical generators.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthis disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for the shielding of outdoor electricalequipment from inclement weather, said system comprising: a plurality ofsupport brackets affixed to a portable outdoor electrical generator; asupport frame disposed in said support brackets; a waterproof coverdisposed over said support frame; a continuous waterproof apron hangingdown from a bottom edge of said cover, adapted to covering electricaloutlets disposed on a first side of said portable outdoor electricalgenerator while covering at least a portion of two sides adjacent tosaid first side of said portable outdoor electrical generator andcorners of said portable outdoor electrical generator between said firstside of said generator and said two sides adjacent to said first side,said continuous waterproof apron leaving at least one side of saidportable outdoor electrical generator opposite to said first sidepermanently exposed.
 2. The system of claim 1, said system furthercomprising a covered vent disposed at an apex of said waterproof cover.3. The system of claim 1 wherein said apron depends from fastenersdisposed beneath said bottom edge of said waterproof cover.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said apron exposes cooling surfaces of saidportable outdoor electrical generator to which said support brackets areaffixed.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said waterproof cover furthercomprises a closable aperture through which a user may supply liquidfuel to said portable outdoor electrical generator.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said waterproof cover further comprises at least oneaperture.